REGIOSTARS Awards

REGIOSTARS Awards 2026 – Apply now!

Do you have an EU-funded project that made a real difference in your region?

The REGIOSTARS Awards, organized annually by DG REGIO since 2008, celebrate outstanding EU-funded projects driving regional development. Over the years, they have become Europe’s label of excellence for initiatives that deliver lasting impact and promote inclusion

The Europe-wide search for the best REGIOSTARS projects of 2026 is now open!

This is your chance to showcase your work, gain recognition and inspire replication across Europe

Does your project fit? Ask yourself

Has your project delivered a positive impact locally? Did it introduce an innovation or new approach? Has it advanced your region economically, socially or environmentally? Do its results continue to deliver benefits after project completion? Could it be scaled up or replicated across Europe?

If “yes!”, submit your application to the REGIOSTARS competition before 22 May 2026 via the EU Survey REGIOSTARS application form

As in previous year, the projects compete in five categories familiar from the cohesion policy objectives. The competition categories are:

• Category 1: A COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE
• Category 2: A GREEN EUROPE
• Category 3: A CONNECTED EUROPE
• Category 4: A SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE
• Category 5: A EUROPE CLOSER TO THE CITIZENS

How winners are selected

A jury of high-level academics will evaluate submitted project applications and select winners in each category during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, in October. The public will also vote online to choose their favourite project from 25 finalists. Winners will be announced at the REGIOSTARS ceremony and receive a mini-promotion campaign for their project

A flavour of the 2025 REGIOSTARS Ceremony.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the EU Survey REGIOSTARS application form. Below you will find documents to help you through-out the application process:

• Guide for applicants: details on competition categories, eligibility, award criteria, and timelines.
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ): answers to common questions about the process.
• Application form template: helps you prepare your submission.
• Endorsement letter template: signed by the managing authority. All applications must be accompanied with the signed endorsement letter.

Applications are accepted in all official EU languages. Only submissions via the EU survey are eligible.

Apply here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/REGIOSTARS2026

Promote REGIOSTARS

Join us in celebrating excellence in regional development – submit your project today!

Download ready-made visuals to help spread the word about REGIOSTARS.

Supporting documents (to download)

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